Happy Tuesday, all! Today I am super excited to share my review of another book I group read, and we unanimously endorsed, One Day in December by Josie Silver! This is an extra special read because I was invited by Goodreads and Broadway Books/Crown Publishing/Penguin Random House to host a book club with some special treats and copies of the book.

My Thoughts:

I’m honored and humbled that Goodreads selected me to receive a book club kit and set of copies of One Day in December, graciously provided by the publisher, Broadway Books and Crown Publishing. I was fortunate to have local friends and online friends join me for this heartwarming read, the perfect story to enjoy this time of year, and quite uplifting in the end.

It’s close to the holidays, December 21 to be exact, when Laurie is bewildered and exhausted riding the bus home from work. She just so happens to make eye contact with a guy at the bus stop, and she has an instant connection, something she never believed in before. He tries to get on the bus, but it’s too late. The doors close, and off Laurie goes. She makes it her New Year’s Resolution to find the bus stop guy.

For a year, she searches for him at every bus stop and bar in London (amazing setting, by the way!). Never finding him, she attends a Christmas party where she is introduced to HIM as her best friend Sarah’s new boyfriend!

Ten years go by between these friends, and they experience their share of kindness, heartbreak, disconnects, and could there possibly be second chances?

I loved this story from start to finish. The formatting and timeline added interest and even more investment on my part. I found this a cozy, charming read, the characterization was warmhearted, and overall, it was a delicious escape of a read, one where happiness is the ultimate goal. One Day in December is much more than the typical romance read, and that’s why it’s receiving universal love from readers across genres.

Thank you again to Broadway Books, Crown Publishing, and Goodreads for this special opportunity and for the free books. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis:

A love story about what happens after you meet, or rather, don’t meet the one.

Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn’t exist anywhere but the movies. But then, through a misted-up bus window one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there’s a moment of pure magic…and then her bus drives away.

Certain they’re fated to find each other again, Laurie spends a year scanning every bus stop and cafe in London for him. But she doesn’t find him, not when it matters anyway. Instead they “reunite” at a Christmas party, when her best friend Sarah giddily introduces her new boyfriend to Laurie. It’s Jack, the man from the bus. It would be.

What follows for Laurie, Sarah and Jack is ten years of friendship, heartbreak, missed opportunities, roads not taken, and destinies reconsidered. One Day in December is a joyous, heartwarming and immensely moving love story to escape into and a reminder that fate takes inexplicable turns along the route to happiness.

Thanks, Tammy! I was very honored and had no idea they did things like this. I am not a typical contemporary reader either, but this book is so much more than what would you think. And you’re right- this time of year, it’s nice to have a “December”-type read.

Thank you so much for including me in your book club opportunity! I love your review—happiness truly is the ultimate goal and the theme is certainly how to find it and how much to expect. I loved reading this with you!!! 💕

Thanks, Mack! The pleasure was truly mine! I enjoyed reading and discussing this with you and sharing in this incredible journey with these indelible characters! What a book! What a perfect group read! ♥️

I agree about December, Jee- that’s the perfect way to describe it. You are always too kind to me. Thank you. ♥️ This is a wonderful read, and I hope you’ll get the chance to check it out some time. Xoxo Happy Thanksgiving!

😂 Are you alluding to my typical reads? Or your typical reads?! Both! I was reading Terror Tuesday early this morning and ran out of time! Off to finish reading and see what the porpy is up to this week! ♥️

Thanks, Sus! Yes, it’s out, and it’s getting so much love. You will LOVE it, too. I just know it! This is this author’s debut. What an author, what a read! You will have some heart tugs! Chat with you tomorrow! Happy Thanksgiving! ♥️ xoxo

I’ve got it on my tbr Jennifer. I’m going to make an effort to read more holiday books over the next month. I apologize for being absent from your blog. I’m recovering from pneumonia and it’s taken more out of than I would have thought.

I’m hoping to do the same with holiday books, Kim. I’ve bought a bunch and have a few to review, too, and the holidays will be here before we know it. This one is just a touch holiday. No worries at all- I only mentioned it because I hadn’t seen you post much, and I’ve thought of you with most every new headline on the news! 😂 ♥️ I am so sorry to hear about the pneumonia, and as someone who has had it more than once, I can completely empathize. You definitely need as much rest as possible. Thinking of you and sending lots of good thoughts for healing, my friend.

That’s so cool that Goodreads selected you to receive a book club pack for this book. I didn’t even know they did such a thing, lol. Even better though that you did this as a great read and everyone loved the book. I think the story just sounds so charming, the perfect holiday read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!

Nice review! I enjoyed the story as well, although certain elements didn’t really gel for me. Maybe that’s my cynical streak showing! So glad you and your reading buddies loved it! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more by this author.